Proposal for Automatic Continuing Resolutions Would Likely Make it Harder to Pass Regular Appropriations Bills

Publication Date: June 2004

Publisher: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Richard Kogan

Research Area: Banking and finance; Government

Keywords: Federal budget; Economic projections; Fiscal future

Type: Report

Abstract:

A proposal likely to be offered when budget-process legislation comes to the House floor this week — under which a year-long continuing resolution would take effect automatically if a regular appropriations bill has not been enacted by October 1, and a temporary continuing resolution has not yet been passed — would provide strong incentives for Members of Congress who oppose various appropriations bills to impede progress on them. The proposal’s main purpose is to avoid government shutdowns. But its principal effect would likely be to disrupt the appropriations process and make appropriations bills harder to pass.

The proposal in question is included in H.R. 3800, a bill introduced by Rep. Jeb Hensarling and more than 100 co-sponsors. It may be offered on the House floor either as a single amendment or as part of a larger amendment.